The Steelers and cornerback Steven Nelson have restructured their contract on Tuesday, as the team continues to create salary cap space for the 2020 season.
Nelson, who was set to carry a $10.75 million cap hit in 2020, could help create an additional $3.67 million in salary cap space for 2020 by fully restructuring his contract.
The Steelers signed Nelson to a three-year free agent contract from the Kansas City Chiefs before the 2019 season and he slid seamlessly into their starting lineup, making 15 starts for the team in 2019.
He quickly became a coverage stalwart and was named the most valuable cornerback addition in the 2019 season by Pro Football Focus. Nelson made 61 tackles, defended eight passes and had one interceptions on the season.
The restructuring of Nelson’s contract is the latest in a series of moves by the Steelers to create salary cap space for the 2020 season. On Monday, they also restructured the contracts of fellow cornerback Joe Haden, kicker Chris Boswell and tight end Vance McDonald .
Additionally, the team released released linebackers Mark Barron and Anthony Chickillo and wide receiver Johnny Holton on Monday. On the same day, guard Ramon Foster announced his retirement.